Ten reasons to keep Spa-Francorchamps on the F1 calendar

It is an event that many Formula 1 drivers and enthusiasts look forward to every year: the Belgian Grand Prix. The beautiful circuit of Spa-Francorchamps is very popular, but is threatened to disappear from the calendar to make way for new locations. These are ten reasons not to do so and to ensure that the race is preserved.

1. The layout

The layout of the circuit is perhaps the most challenging on the calendar. There is no one corner that characterizes the circuit (although that could be said about Eau Rouge), but every corner is a challenge. Aside from safety improvements, the track has improved only a fraction over the years from its original layout. It simply can't get much better.

2. The environment

Spa is referred to by many as the most beautiful circuit on the Formula 1 calendar for a reason. This is not only in the layout of the track but also in the beautiful surroundings. The iconic circuit is located in the middle of the pine forests of the Belgian Ardennes and the location can therefore be called unique.

3. The history

The history of Spa-Francorchamps goes back further than many can remember. The track was already on the calendar in the very first organized Formula 1 championship in 1950, but there was racing way before that. The first Belgian Grand Prix was held no less than 97 years ago, on June 28, 1925.

4. The weather

Undoubtedly a part of the charm of Spa is the weather. It is unpredictable to say the least, as was demonstrated again during the (almost) cancelled Belgian Grand Prix in 2021. Last year it was too much of a good thing, but usually, the unpredictable conditions provide the necessary spectacle during the races. In addition, the length of the circuit can make one part wet and the other dry. This shakes up the field, sometimes with totally unexpected results as a result.

5. Eau Rouge

The iconic Eau Rouge/Raidillon corner combination is of course part of the already mentioned layout of the circuit but deserves a special mention. It is perhaps the most famous corner in the history of motorsports due to its steep climb at full throttle, which causes the drivers to experience enormous upward forces.

6. The character

All of the above characteristics collectively make up the character of Spa-Francorchamps. Where the circuit used to be known for the dangerous and even deadly situations that arose there, it has managed to modernize and grow into one of the greatest classics that cannot be ignored by the bulk of the motorsport calendars.

7. The drivers

Over the years, Spa-Francorchamps has often been referred to by drivers as their favourite circuit. It would be a shame not to take such feedback to heart and still draw a line at the event. The Monaco Grand Prix is iconic, but not nearly as popular with many drivers as the famous circuit in the Ardennes.

8. The fans

Basically the same story as above: where opinions on Monaco are still somewhat divided, you will not find many people who can miss Spa like a hole in the head. The circuit is just as loved by the fans as by the drivers and it would be a big mistake not to take the opinion of the fans into account when deciding on the future of the race.

9. The renovations

The track underwent major renovations in the winter of 2022, both track and facility-related. Major changes were made to the Eau Rouge/Raidillon corner combination, among others, and adjustments were made all over the circuit to improve safety.

In addition, a lot of work has been done to make the circuit future-proof, and that means: entertainment. Large grandstands have been added and innovations have been applied to the paddock. This should provide fans with an unforgettable experience, as was the case at the Zandvoort Grand Prix.

10. The future

The last reason to hold on to Spa-Francorchamps is perhaps one of the most important. If a classic like Spa already disappears it creates a potentially dangerous precedent for the future.

The current owner of Formula 1 lacks the bond with traditional European circuits that Bernie Ecclestone had, and there is a good chance that many new circuits will be added to the calendar. The danger is that the balance will be lost and that Formula 1 will slowly lose its original character.